Choose a Limited Palette

Various shades of green, from pale celadon to deep jade, shine out among the metallic neutrals of this setting. Napkin rings covered in hydrangea blossoms bring a touch of the lush centerpiece to each setting.

6 of 38Photo: Lauren Rubinstein

Layer China and Glass

Simple white china and clear glass look elegant but feel casual when paired together. It’s all in the details, so choose pierced and etched designs to add interest without distracting from the rest of the table.

Get Creative with Materials

Who says you can only print on paper? This menu card is actually fabric. The designer cut pieces of thin linen and ran them through an ink-jet printer for menu cards. Do this a day or more ahead of time to allow the ink to dry properly.

Mix Formal and Casual Pieces

If you have got more guests than fine china, combine your wedding china with casual dinnerware, like this pewter stoneware charger and cool blue salad plate. Silver and crystal stemware add a touch of tradition.

Get Creative with Natural Materials

Found or purchased natural materials give texture to your table. Make your own custom napkin rings by spray-painting cedar roses (the opened cones of the deodar cedar tree) silver and gluing them atop 2-inch-wide red ribbon. Tuck in a sprig of boxwood for an extra flourish.

18 of 38Photo: Erica George Dines

Use Family Pieces

You can’t go wrong with a white and silver combination. This setting pairs modern pieces with family heirlooms for a casual yet classic look.

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19 of 38Photo: Howard Lee Puckett

Layer Textures

Varying colors and patterns aren't the only ways to make your setting pop. A mix of interesting textures makes for a subtle and elegant look. Rope place mats layered with textured porcelain dinnerware and twine-tied utensils create a laid-back mood in this setting.

20 of 38Jean Allsopp / Styling Alan Henderson

Keep Your Setting Neutral

For a table that makes a statement, set it with a single color. The food will take centerstage on this all-white table. White linens and candles pair prettily with a calla lily centerpiece.

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21 of 38Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Be Inspired by Your China Pattern

Use your china as the inspiration for your florals. This plate’s color palette is repeated in the lush centerpiece.

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Think Small

Small touches make a big impact. Tiny fruits and a mini-flower arrangement inspired by the ribbon’s color palette add just the right touch to this simple setting.

Go Bold with Complementary Colors

Say it with Flowers

A single yellow rose, symbolizing friendship, welcomes each guest to this table.

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Look Outside for Table Decor

Lovely maple leaves in fall colors dress up this setting. Turn organic items into place cards by using a paint pen to write guests' names on them.

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Spice Up Your Table

Add a light fragrance to your tablescape by integrating herbs into your decor. Rosemary napkin rings give a natural feel to this setting.

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Skip the Tablecloth

Some dining tables are too nice not to cover, but this one is to pretty to cover up. This aged and distressed table is a beautiful, rustic backdrop for a simple setting.

28 of 38Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Use Vintage Touches

Antique-style white wooden chargers and beaded-edge dinner plates play up the table's vintage look. They're topped with vibrant bird salad plates and blue paper boxes, which serve as both place cards and party favors.

Simple Elegance

This place card only looks high-end. Back a simple white card with patterned paper and then thread with sumptuous red velvet ribbon. When wrapped around white dinnerware, these crafts store finds are instantly elevated.

36 of 38Photo: Jim Franco

Glamorous Details

Add instant whimsy with a dash of confetti at each place setting, sprinkled atop a mix of gold-trimmed china. Create a slit in the top of a Champagne cork for an instant, clever place-card holder.

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37 of 38Photo: Jim Franco

Rustic Wonderland

Create the perfect mix of elegant and organic by using pieces that take inspiration from nature, such as wood-handled flatware and faux-bois and mushroom plates. Runners placed crosswise down a farmhouse table give the texture of table linens without covering up the rugged beauty of the furniture—plus they double as place mats.

38 of 38Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Layer with Ribbons

Top a white tablecloth with red ribbons cleverly laid in a spokelike pattern to mimic peppermint candy. It will accent your holiday china without distracting.